New government, new approach, that is what is happening with the new administration.

Unlike in the past when state governors had the privilege to name a candidate for the President’s cabinet, nowadays things are changing as they appear to have lost that influence to make input into the appointment of ministers.

The governors, especially those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have found it difficult to penetrate President Muhammadu Buhari to pick their nominees as ministers.

Also, some senators, who are godfathers in their states, will be unable to install their stooges as ministers.

Following the principle of “Separation of Powers”, there were indications that Buhari may not accept imposition of nominees on him by some leaders of the National Assembly.

However, apart from deference to party supremacy, Buhari has largely been his own man in appointing members of his cabinet.

It was learnt that although some governors had attempted to recommend some nominees, Buhari is insisting on merit.

The same dilemma is confronting some influential Senators and leaders of the House of Representatives.

According to findings, Buhari is sticking to the principle of separation of powers instead of throwing the ministerial nomination open.

The discipline being employed by Buhari in choosing his cabinet members accounted for the delay in appointing commissioners in some states.

It was gathered that the governors prefer to compensate their loyalists, who may be schemed out of ministerial slots, as commissioners.

“Unlike in the past, most governors are stranded this because the president will not ask them to nominate ministers. Some of them attempted to make recommendations but did not succeed.

“In fact, the same game is playing out with influential Senators who have found it difficult to lobby for their candidates as ministerial nominees.

“Buhari is trying to be his own man as far as the choice of ministers is concerned. The only thing he reckons with is party supremacy. He also wants to adhere to constitutional provision on the appointment of ministers.

“The governors could not have their way because Buhari has refused to ask for any office slot or favour from any governor, including his own governor, Aminu Masari of Katsina State,” a source said.

 

Another source said: “Those who have no respect for party supremacy cannot recommend or nominate ministers. Respect begets respect.

“This is why the president is looking for credible hands whom they cannot disqualify under a flimsy excuse or the other.”